Vernon W. Clay

Vernon W. Clay “Poppy,” age 88, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 15, 2021 with his loving family by his side.

Vernon is survived by his children, Lyle Clay, Marilyn (Thomas) Darin and Kim (Dennis) Harvey; grandchildren, Tim (Deanne) Clay, Marie Clay, Christie (Zachary) Randich, Kelly Darin, Misty (Matthew) Canfarelli and Grant Harvey; great-grandchildren, Elliott Clay, Reese and Brooklyn Stukel, Cooper Randich, and Emersyn Canfarelli; brothers, Gerald (Mary) Clay and Billy Clay; numerous nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Carol Marple of Canon City, CO, and Virginia Whipple of Aurora, IL.

Preceded in death by his wife, Delores A. Clay (2020); parents, William Clay and Eula (nee Markley) Hutton; 8 brothers and sisters.

Vernon graduated from LaHarpe High School in Kansas, class of 1950. He married the love of his life, Delores in May of 1953. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean War, AAA Division. Vernon was a 50 year member of the Local #196 Electrical Union and retired from the City of Naperville after over 25 years of service. He was known to his family as Mr. Fix It, he loved the challenge and had the knowledge to be able to fix anything brought to him. He was an accomplished woodworker, spending many hours crafting anything from home furnishings to lawn ornaments for his family. He enjoyed fishing and loved being outdoors. Vernon will be dearly missed.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Vernon’s caregivers, Kris and Kathy and to Lightways Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vernon’s name to Lightways Hospice (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice) would be appreciated.

A celebration of Vernon’s life will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service to be held in the funeral home chapel at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be held privately at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.